Birth, marriage and death: these are
the greatest events in human life. Many things, good and bad, can happen to us
in our lives. (79) {{U}}Yet there are three days which are usually marked by some
kind of special ceremony: the day we are born; the day we get married and the
day we die. {{/U}}These are the three main 'events in life. We only have a choice
in the second of these: we can choose whether or not to marry. But we have no
choice in birth and death. All human beings from the most primitive to the most
sophisticated--are affected by these three events. The only thing that differs
in each society is the way these events are celebrated. Yet all societies share
common characteristics. Birth is a time of joy. The proud parents receive
congratulations and presents on behalf of the new-born. Marriage is also a time
of joy. The young couple go through a special wedding ceremony and receive
presents to help them set up their home. (80) {{U}}Death is a time of sorrow and
is marked by a special ceremony and mourning. The date6 of all three events are
usually remembered. {{/U}}